M-715 Kaiser Jeep 5/4 Truck

The Kaiser Jeep M-715 "five quarter" truck was built for the U.S. military based on the civilian Jeep Gladiator. The M-715 was the first attempt by the U.S. military to buy commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) based vehicles instead of fully specialized military designs. The M-715 family saw service in Vietnam, but was considered underpowered and fragile when compared to purpose-built tactical trucks like the Dodge M-37 it was intended to replace.

Truck, Cargo, 1 1/4 Ton, 4x4, M-715 in Army maintenance area.

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23 May 1944 Allied breakout from Anzio beachhead.
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Kaiser Jeep Military M-715 Series 5/4 Ton Truck (G-890)

Restored M-715 1 1/4-ton truck. Photo courtesy of Scott Brandt of www.MotoeXotica.com

In 1965 Kaiser Jeep Corporation designed and developed the M-715 1 1/4-ton series truck, often called the "five quarter". The design was selected by the U.S. Army to replace the M-37 series. Delivery of over 33,000 vehicles was made between 1967-1969, made up of four models:

M-715 Truck, Cargo, 1 1/4 Ton, 4x4
M-724 Cab and chassis (contract maintenance body added)
M-725 Truck, Ambulance, 1 1/4 ton, 4x4
M-726 Truck, Maintenance, 1 1/4 Ton, 4x4, Telephone, w/winch

The M-715 series trucks were built on a common frame and wheelbase, but with different bodies. The civilian Gladiator was modified with an open, canvas top cab and a military exclusive cargo box for the M-715. Both the contract maintenance truck and the M-726 Telephone Maintenance truck were built utilizing the M-724 Cab and Chassis.

In 1967 Kaiser Jeep Corporation reorganized and formed the Defense and Government Products Division devoted exclusively to the research, development and production of Government vehicles. In 1971 that division became AM General, who later developed and produced the HMMWV.

Specifications

Engine	Jeep 230 CI overhead cam "Tornado-OHC" straight 6
Engine horsepower	140
Engine torque	210 LB-FT at 1750 RPM
Transmission	T-98a 6.32:1 "granny" low gear
Transfer case	NP200, 2:1 ratio low range
Front axle	Dana 60
Rear axle	Dana 70, full floating
Axle gear ratio	5:38 to 1
Differentials	Power-Loc limited slip

Kaiser Jeep M-715 Internet Resources

One Internet site stands out for this vehicle: The M-715 Zone caters to the needs of M-715 owners and afficianados. All aspects of the "greatest 4x4 on Earth" are open to discussion including, technical questions, history, specifications, swaps and of course putting 'em through their paces!!! Includes chat room, message board, links.

Find More Information on the Internet

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